Caernarfon is preparing to play host to Gŵyl Cerdd Dant for the first time in thirty years.

The annual festival of music, folk dancing, rectiation and poetry competitions is the biggest one-day festival of its kind in Wales.

On Saturday, it will be held at Galeri, marking only the second time Caernarfon has played host to the event in its 79-year history.

Hundreds of competitors, supporters and visitors are expected - and Cyngor Gwynedd says it will be an opportunity to showcase the area, as well as provide a boost to the local economy.

Cllr Medwyn Hughes, cabinet member for the economy, said: "The festival celebrates some of the most important elements of our Welsh culture and heritage, and we are extremely proud that Cyngor Gwynedd has been able to support the event through the Gwynedd Events Development Fund."

"Events like this play a key role in strengthening our communities, promoting the Welsh language and attracting visitors to the area. We look forward to welcoming competitors, performers and visitors to Caernarfon and Gwynedd."

The very first Gŵyl Cerdd Dant was held in nearby Y Felinheli in 1947, but it took until 1996 to visit Caernarfon.

When Chief Bard Rhys Iorwerth accepted the invitation to compose the Welcoming Poem for this year's festival, he was quoted as saying:

"Cerdd dant yn cyrraedd y doc"
"Cerdd Dant arrives at the dock"

Dafydd Roberts, chair of the festival's 2026 executive committee, explained: "And at the dock, we are incredibly fortunate that Galeri, with its outstanding facilities, has agreed to host the Gŵyl Cerdd Dant this year."

"Caernarfon is a town steeped in history, proudly maritime, rich in poets and overflowing with music. The town buzzes with activity throughout the year, and the Gŵyl Cerdd Dant will undoubtedly be a fitting crowning event among this year's celebrations."

"Naturally, the festival relies on the support of local residents, and we are extremely grateful for the generous backing from Cyngor Gwynedd, Caernarfon Town Council and the Arfon Community Councils, as well as Hwb Caernarfon and a number of local businesses."

"We are also thankful for contributions from local individuals and the efforts of those who have organised fundraising events."

The run up to this year's festival has seen local primary school Ysgol Maesincla play host to the preliminary rounds while Theatr Seilo offered its space for the choir auditions.

The organisers of the Caernarfon Food Festival ('Gwyl Fwyd Caernarfon) are also involved as they prepare to return in 2027 after a year's break.

Ahead of the start of competitions, a free folk session will be held on Saturday night featuring Gwilym Bowen Rhys and the pro-Welsh independence group Accordions for Annibyniaeth.

S4C will also be showing live coverage of the evening competitions at Galeri on Saturday evening from 7.30pm.

Dafydd Roberts added: "Following the undeniable success of last year's festival in Aberystwyth, the bar has been set high for us in Caernarfon this year."

"However, I firmly believe that, with the hardworking team that has come together, we will deliver a festival to remember."

The full programme can be found on the Cymdeithas Cerdd Dant Cymru website.